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Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

[Sports Day Cheer Songs] A roundup of classic cheer anthems and recommended parody-song picks [2026]

Cheer songs and background music are essential for sports days and athletic festivals! Classic staples that make you want to start running the moment you hear them are a given, but it’s also long been common to rewrite the lyrics of popular J-pop songs and sing them as parodies.

In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of Japanese songs that are perfect for cheering at school sports events! Of course, we’ve also picked out songs that will hype up the crowd even if you sing them as-is.

Be sure to read through to the end!

[Sports Day Cheering Songs] A roundup of classic cheer songs and recommended parody picks [2026] (161–170)

In the Blueikimonogakari

Ikimonogakari “In the Blue” (Mitsuya Cider theme song) Music Video
In the Blueikimonogakari

This is a cheer song packed with the explosive energy of youth! It’s perfect for school sports days and athletic festivals, carrying a passionate message that celebrates youth and freedom.

The refreshing melodies and powerful vocals—so characteristic of Ikimono-gakari—truly resonate.

Released in March 2024 and also featured in a Mitsuya Cider commercial, this track is included on the album “Maru (〇).” Use it as a cheer parody or an exit song for a brisk march, and you’re guaranteed a refreshingly exhilarating performance.

Why not include it to help create wonderful memories that will mark a special page of your youth?

As many times as you likeDREAMS COME TRUE

Any Number of Times / Dreams Come True (Cover)
As many times as you likeDREAMS COME TRUE

“Nando Demo,” which matches the stage of a sports day where it’s important to persevere to the very end, was released in 2005 by the nationally renowned music duo DREAMS COME TRUE and has become a staple at their live shows.

Its lyrics, portraying the noble figure of someone who keeps facing challenges no matter the hardships, are particularly striking.

It’s a perfect number to cheer on various sports day events—like tamaire, where you keep trying within a time limit, or relays that test running speed.

Why not cheer on your precious teammates with its heartwarming phrases?

earnest desireSUPER BEAVER

A touching masterpiece by SUPER BEAVER that sings about the importance of human connections is included on the album “Ongaku,” released in February 2024.

This song gently conveys how an individual’s happiness is built on the support of many people, and the warmth created by a chain of smiles.

The album “Ongaku” also features several tie-in tracks, including the theme song for the film Tokyo Revengers 2 and the theme for the 103rd National High School Rugby Tournament.

It’s the perfect song when you want to cheer on those practicing for school sports days with a parody version, or when you want to look back on memories of working up a sweat with friends.

Mileage of LoveRAG FAIR

A six-member a cappella group formed in 1999.

Their overwhelming a cappella performances gained recognition through “Hamonep,” leading to their major debut in 2001.

With the unique warmth of a cappella and the exhilarating drive of their songs, they’re sure to energize any school sports festival or athletic meet.

Everyday, KachushaAKB48

[MV full] Everyday, Kachusha / AKB48 [Official]
Everyday, KachushaAKB48

Written by Yasushi Akimoto and composed by Yoshimasa Inoue, this golden duo created one of AKB48’s signature summer songs.

AKB48’s summer tracks—like “Ponytail to Shushu” and “Manatsu no Sounds good!”—are guaranteed crowd-pleasers at live shows.

Of course, “Everyday, Kachusha” is also a fun song where fans can shout the call-and-response parts—these chants are known as “mixes.” With its bright, refreshing melody, it works great as a cheer song, too.

The line near the end of the chorus, “Motto motto suki ni natte yuku,” and the closing line, “Kachusha o shiteiru onna no ko,” are especially flexible spots for parody lyrics!

In conclusion

We’ve introduced lots of cheer songs to liven up sports day, and I believe there are as many ways to make memories as there are songs. You can make it more fun by creating parody lyrics, or sing together at the top of your lungs in unison. If the songs we introduced this time become a catalyst for you to create irreplaceable memories with your classmates, that would be wonderful. Wishing all of you a sports day that becomes a special, unforgettable day in your hearts!